What causes this digestive condition?

[NJMother501]

My son is 39 years old.  He's always had a nervous stomach, but for the last 6 months or so, he's had pain in his upper stomach, and in his back, near his shoulder blade.  He eats and has what he calls "green" diarreah.  He's able to work everyday, and has had no weight loss.  He saw his primary care physician who ordered an ultra sound of the gall bladder.  The hospital cancelled the test,but made an appointment for a week later.  Before he could have the ultra sound, he noticed blood in his stool, so he went to the hospital.  They did an ultra sound of the stomach and found that the gall bladder had sludge in it, but nothing else.  They took blood, and the results were normal. They also did a digital exam and found no blood. If he doesn't eat, he's ok.  He doesn't eat a proper diet.  Way too many fats and junk food.  A few years ago, he had a parasite of some sort.  Could his problems stem from some sort of parasite?  Oh, he's also a smoker.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Green stools rarely have any significance.  There are some cases where irritable bowel syndrome can cause this.  

If there is upper GI discomfort (i.e. the nervous stomach), then you may want to have your son consider either an upper endoscopy or upper GI series.  This can exclude some of the more common causes - namely, an ulcer, inflammation of the stomach or esophagus or GERD.  

The most common reason for blood in the stool in this age group would be hemorrhoids.  If the blood continues, a flexible sigmoidoscopy can be considered.  

Regarding the parasite - this can cause diarrhea.  The easiest way to diagnose this would be to send stool cultures for parasite evaluation.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.